The 32nd annual Episcopal Day School Candlelight Tour of Homes will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

This year's tour features five homes in Pinehurst and Southern Pines, each uniquely decorated for the holiday season.

Talented local musicians will be entertaining in the residences. Ticket sales from the Candlelight Tour directly fund the technology and media needs, educational materials and supplemental programs for the EDS students and teachers.

Perched on an elevated and private lot in the Country Club of North Carolina is the home of Joe and Sue Kelly.

Michigan natives, the Kellys semi-retired to Pinehurst in the mid 1990s after a family friend introduced them to the area. They settled in and opened an antique car business and a limousine service.

Joe still runs their educational consulting firm in Michigan. Sue is active in the CCNC Garden Club, and she also volunteers for the Food Bank. In addition, she helps feed more than 100 children every day at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Kellys bought their current home three years ago after falling in love with its traditional, one-story design that offers views from each room. Their home's spaciousness suits them and their large family perfectly.

With eight children and 12 grandchildren, they needed formal and informal rooms large enough for family gatherings.

There are four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms plus an office and sunroom. They just added an additional three-car garage with a 1,100-square-foot apartment on the second story, which is where family will stay when visiting from out of town.

The wide front porch with rockers and a swing welcomes the visitor. The spacious foyer opens up to a comfortably elegant great room with a vaulted ceiling. A pleasing palate of colors in salmon, aqua blue, brown and gold in the fabrics work well with the refined furniture pieces.

Two French doors lead off to the back patio and provide the room with an abundance of natural light. An oversized custom built-in television cabinet and attached bookcases house hundreds of books and family photos.

Wide and generous moldings accentuate the traditional details of the Kelly home. The reclaimed wood floors are from a local building that was razed. The oversized fireplace in the great room has a surround made from local rock. In addition, the knotty pine custom cabinetry was lightly stained, highlighting the wood's natural character.

To the right of the great room are two guest bedrooms, each with full bathrooms. The first is painted a soft pink shade. Several bedroom pieces are covered in a muted, floral design linen fabric for a feminine touch. A wood bedroom set in distressed cream and blue paint lends a decorator flair. The second guest room is soft yellow and green and has a dramatic iron canopy bed as a focal point.

An oversized formal dining area is to the left of the great room. It is open, bright and easily accommodates the family's large French country dining table. During the holidays, Sue sets the table in her exquisite, gold-trimmed Limoges china set. An adjoining butler's pantry keeps an extensive amount of glassware handy.

The Kellys love to dress up their home for the Christmas season. They have a large collection of decorations that they've accumulated during their 53 years of marriage. They start decorating in early November so that their family can enjoy it when they visit at Thanksgiving.

Next to the dining room is the large eat-in kitchen. The cabinetry is the same knotty pine as the living room built-ins. An oversized, marble top island with turned legs provides ample space for Sue to prepare the meals for their family.

The refrigerator is disguised behind a panel, while the other appliances are stainless. A lounging area with sofa and round breakfast table offers a comfortable place to sit. A full-sized desk with upper and lower cabinetry affords a central work space. Two French doors lead outside: one to a relaxed Carolina room and the other to the back patio.

Just off the kitchen is Joe's office. It is painted in a dark, handsome denim blue color. His desk, a leather sofa and chairs are cozy around a brick fireplace. Joe's collection of vintage cameras and history books are found on the shelves.

Next door to the office are the master bedroom and bath. The light blue walls complement the dramatic wood headboard and two coordinating bombe-style nightstands. The bed is made up in blue and cream linens and a down comforter. A dresser, armoire and a Queen Anne-style settee in a delicate floral pattern complete the bedroom suite. There is another French door that leads to the flagstone back patio.

The patio is a wonderful gathering spot as it overlooks Sue's floral gardens and five acres of property. A hot tub, grill and lounge chairs are set out to enjoy the area's mild climate.

The final stop on the tour will be the Kelly's six heated garage bays that house their five personal cars and several antique cars.

Car collecting is one of Joe's passions. He owns a number of antique cars, some complete and others currently being restored. A Bentley and a 1941 Buick Coupe will be on display for the car enthusiast.

Other homes on the Candlelight Tour this year are located in Pinewild Country Club, the village of Pinehurst, National Golf Club and in Southern Pines.

Tickets for the Candlelight Tour cost $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event.

They can be purchased from any Episcopal Day School student, the school office and at the following outlets: The Country Bookshop, Natures Own/195 and Gulley's Garden Center, in Southern Pines; One Eleven Main, in Aberdeen; and Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour and Gift Shoppe and Cool Sweats, in Pinehurst.

Group sales are available online at www.episcopalday.org.

For more information, call EDS at (910) 692-3492.